3.51—SCHOOL BUS DRIVER’S USE OF MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICES
“School Bus” is a motorized vehicle that meets the following requirements:
- Is privately owned and operated for compensation, or which is owned, leased or otherwise operated by, or for the benefit of the District; and
- Is operated for the transportation of students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school events.
Any driver of a school bus shall not operate the school bus while using a device to browse the internet, make or receive phone calls or compose or read emails or text messages. A school bus driver may use a two-way radio communications device or any device used in a similar manner as a two-way radio communications device to communicate with the District’s central dispatch or transportation center. In addition, if the school bus is safely off the road with the parking brake engaged, exceptions are allowed to call for assistance due to a mechanical problem with the bus, or to communicate with any of the following during an emergency:
- An emergency system response operator or 911 public safety communications dispatcher;
- A hospital or emergency room;
- A physician's office or health clinic;
- An ambulance or fire department rescue service;
- A fire department, fire protection district, or volunteer fire department; or
- A police department.
In addition to statutorily permitted fines, violations of this policy shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Legal Reference: A.C.A. § 6-19 120
Date Adopted: April 29, 2014
Last Revised: June 27, 2019